Opinion | Stray Kids’ ‘MAXIDENT’ shows they can nail any genre or concept

K-pop boy group Stray Kids released their seventh EP, ‘MAXIDENT,’ on Oct. 7, touching on subjects like love, attraction, rocky relationships and success. Photo collage by SIMRAH AHMAD, staff photographer

K-pop sensations Stray Kids have proved once again that originality and taking risks pay off. The group released their highly anticipated EP, “MAXIDENT,” on Oct. 7 and have broken multiple records.

“MAXIDENT” is the fourth-most sold K-pop album ever, reaching 2.18 million sales within the first week. The group also reached the top of the Billboard 200 on Oct. 16 after leading the chart for the first time in March with their EP, “ODDINARY.” 

“MAXIDENT” became the fourth album by a K-pop act to hold the highest spot on the chart in 2022. Stray Kids also became the second K-pop group to have multiple number one albums on the Billboard 200.

Maya Caparaz, news and politics staff writer

The group debuted in 2018 with their EP “I am NOT,” and they’re known for their versatility in genres, variety of concepts, unique lyrics and their songs’ subjects of nonconformity, mental health and resilience.

A major factor in Stray Kids' achievements is having a significant amount of creative freedom, which many K-pop groups do not have. Members Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN — officially known as the 3RACHA — are the main writers and producers of the group’s songs. The other five members — Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin and I.N — have also written and produced music. 

“MAXIDENT” showcases Stray Kids' eclectic music genres — including their signature noise music — and distinctive lyrics but opts for an overall brighter sound than the darker, heavier one of the songs that made the group famous. “MAXIDENT” is Stray Kids' first EP or album with a general theme of love. Many albums and songs with love themes seem similar to one another, but “MAXIDENT”’s tracks are fresh and interesting.

The title track, “CASE 143,” is an upbeat, electro-hip-hop song. The group describes the confusing, uncontrollable feelings of love. Listening to the song for the first time, I enjoyed this happier, more colorful side of Stray Kids. I was not obsessed with “CASE 143” upon my first listen, like many of their title tracks, but as I’ve heard the song more, I’ve grown to admire its deterrence from the typical lyrics of love songs and its catchy beat.

Instead of simply saying, “I love you,” the group represents the phrase with the number 143: the number of letters in each word of the phrase. Stray Kids makes their intentions clear at the end of the chorus when they chant, “One-four-three, I love you!” 

I blushed at the directness of “CASE 143”’s lyrics, like when Changbin asks, “Can I be your boyfriend?” Listeners can’t help but swoon at the group’s straightforward expressions of attraction.

In contrast to “CASE 143,” “CHILL,” a seemingly cheerful R&B song, has the message that breaking up is the best decision for two people to make when their relationship becomes strained. Breakup songs usually portray the separation of a couple as a negative thing, but Stray Kids shows that ending an unhealthy relationship is a positive choice. 

In “Give Me Your TMI,” a funky glitch-hop song, Stray Kids expresses their obsession over a person and their desire to get to know them. The music reflects the euphoric feelings a person gets when they are attracted to someone.

“SUPER BOARD,” a futuristic, dark-synth song, deviates from “MAXIDENT”’s main topic of love. Stray Kids flies to success on their super board. The chorus repeats the message of the song in an addictive way: “Narara syung super board,” meaning, “Flying, jumping like super board.”

In the second half of the EP, the subunit songs, “3RACHA,” “TASTE” and “Can’t Stop,” give the members the opportunity to display more of their talents than in the full-group songs. 

Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN rap about their talent and accomplishments and demonstrate why they are some of K-pop’s best producers and rappers in “3RACHA,” a powerful drill song.

Lee Know, Hyunjin and Felix — the main dancers unofficially known as “DANCERACHA” — sing about intense, passionate love in “TASTE,” a sultry R&B track that might be Stray Kids' sexiest song yet. 

Seungmin and I.N — the vocal subunit unofficially known as “VOCALRACHA” — express the emotions of first love in “Can’t Stop,” a lively rock song. The lyrics are similar to “CASE 143,” but illustrate a more sweet, innocent side to love.

“MAXIDENT” ends with the Korean version of Stray Kids' Japanese single, “CIRCUS,” a groovy hip-hop song that invites listeners to be amazed by their circus, which can be interpreted as their music. “CIRCUS” excellently summarizes Stray Kids' bold discography and captivating stage presence.

As a stay (a member of Stray Kids' fandom) since the “ODDINARY” era, I was excited to listen to the group’s first Korean EP since I became a fan. While I enjoy all types of Stray Kids' music, compared to other albums and EPs, I was not enamored with most of “MAXIDENT”’s songs during my initial listen. 

A month later, I appreciate the EP a lot more. Stray Kids mastered a sunnier sound that they don’t often show in their music while maintaining the aspects of their songs that make listeners immediately know that they are listening to the group they’ve grown to love.